Question:
I Weigh 215, 5' 2, What is the life expectancy after surgery?

I DON'T FEEL THAT MY WEIGHT WILL CAUSE ME TO DIE SO IF I DO THIS SURGERY WILL IT AFFECT MY LIFE SPAN EXPECTANCY?    — MELISSA W. (posted on April 2, 2001)

April 2, 2001
I had open RNY 12/4/00, and was 5'2" and 230 lbs.--now down 55 lbs. The question you might want to ask yourself, is will you likely gain more weight in the coming years? What is your diet history? For me, I know I was on the smaller side for WLS patients, but my weight made every bit as miserable as many of the much larger people. Also, I absolutely knew that I didn't want to continue living like I was, and that given my history, I probably would continue to gain weight. After talking to lots of long-term people, I have come to the conclusion that the quality of life after WLS is purely in my hands. I must take responsibility for my health---that means getting exercise, eating right, and taking supplements without question. The trade-off is so worth it!! Quality of life is better, and I can really enjoy my daughters' and serve as a role model for them for what a healthy, active woman is. I am convinced that my life expectancy is much higher without the excess weight---as many folks have said, have you ever seen a very old, fat person?? This is a very personal decision, and whatever you decide is not "wrong". There are many people who don't mind their excess weight enough to have major surgery. If you're really not sure, maybe you should try a more conventional approach----WLS will still be an option in the future. Look into your heart and you'll know. Best of luck!!
   — Susan S.

April 2, 2001
Hi, Melissa. I'm 51, 5-5, 275# and until about a year ago I didn't really feel too bad. My knees ached, had heartburn a couple of times a week, no back aches to speak of...well, that's all changed now. Your life expectancy is seriously compromised by excess weight. The AMOS library has loads of information about it, as do a number of websites. The older you are the harder it is for your body to repair itself due in part to a reduced rate of metabolism. Check out the library, there's lots of info there complete with statistics. It's your decision.
   — Lynn E.

April 2, 2001
Melissa, I am at a 20% chance of dying prematurely than someone at their ideal weight. And I am 5'5 and weigh 161#!!!!! I used to be at 70% (my bmi was 43) Please don't disillusion yourself. If you are 100+ pounds overweight, you can almost bet on dying before someone that weighs 120.
   — [Anonymous]

April 2, 2001
Hi Melissa, Life expectancy is a very complicated issue. You probably need to look at your family history for some of those answers. You did not say how old you are, but I'm going to guess young. I've been up and down the scale myself and felt for a long time I should be able to handle this and do it on my own. This surgery is a drastic measure and should be something you really want. Being obese can be a long slow down hill slide when you are healthy. Your joints will start to ache, but maybe not so bad in the beginning. Your posture becomes off balance, so then you have a backache now and then. I have not yet developed a lot of the co-morbities that a lot of people at my age (54) have, the arthritis in my knees has almost crippled me though from all the years of carrying too much weight and I don't want to wait for anymore to show up. Ask yourself what quality of life do you want. Your life would be different after this surgery. Can you live with those changes? You have to want this, I wish I could have done this sooner and spared myself a lot of the pain I've been through. In the end it's what is important for you, I believe this surgery can extend your life expectancy, especially if there has been weight related deaths in your family. I also believe that when it's your time to go you go. I just want to go being happy, healthy & active.
   — Kay J.